Easy-wrench

The ratchet as it is also referred to is a common household tool that is used/required in the assembly and/or disassembly of everyday items (i.e. beds, tables, BBQ’s, etc.).

Overview

A Socket wrench consist of two very important parts; a handle for holding when using the tool and a Ratchet head (consisting of 4 pawls, a shaft, and a ratchet wheel) that allows movement in a rotary motion (both clockwise or counter clockwise), permitting motion in one direction while preventing movement in the opposition direction (Pasquesi).

Today, Socket wrenches are available in a range of sizes suitable for many different tasks, however, the shape and structure of the tool has remained the same.

Objective The objective of our socket wrench design is to increase

the tool’s usability, effectiveness in small workspaces, and ease-of-use.

Our redesign seeks to change the Ratchet head component of the socket wrench and its handle. The Ratchet head will be made smaller, thus, expanding its range of motion. Also, the handle will be made more ergonomic by making it into a telescoping body.

The premise for the redesign of the socket wrench was due to the personal experience of a group member’s struggle in using the tool in a tight workspace where the tool effectiveness was limited.

Case example He observe that the tool ability to operate properly in

the unconventionally space of the bed post was poor.

Case example

The Ratchet’s motion was limited and the ratchet head was unable to fit securely in the allocated space.

Issues The idea of improving ease-of-use and universal usability

was pivotal in the redesign process of the ratchet in order to address the issues associated with the tool and its users.

The physical ability of users was also taken into consideration with the redesign of the tool—for example, users with physical aliments.

Arthritis affected 1,860,269 residents in Ontario in 2008 (StatCan), and nearly 3 of 5 people with arthritis is younger than 65 (Arthritis…Canada).

Other issues surrounding the use of the tool involved the height and size restrictions which limits the usability of the tool.

Issues http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzxz7iG81kI

References

Pasquesi, A. “How the Air Ratchet Works | eHow.com.” eHow | How To Do Just About Everything! | How To Videos & Articles. Retrieved January 29, 2010, from <http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5345057_air-ratchet-works.html>.

"Arthritis, by Sex, Provinces and Territories." Statistics Canada - Summary Tables. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. <http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/health52a-eng.htm>.

Sales, Paul, ed. The Arthritis Society. Rep. Pfizer, 20 Dec. 2007. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. <http://www.arthritis.ca/toolbox/media%20centre/statistics/default.asp?s=1&province=on>